Izakaya Umina, Cremorne

Izakaya Umina is located in Cremorne. It has a simple shop front so you may not realise this hidden gem exists. While the name “Izakaya Umina” sounds Japanese, the restaurant is best described as Modern Japanese with a splash of French technique. Owner and Head chef Tomo is Japanese but is trained in French cooking. I love this combination.

Tara Sushi, Surry Hills

Tara Sushi is located in Surry Hills and is famous for their all you can eat for $39 (cash, card fee applies otherwise). You can choose unlimited plates of sushi, order hot menu items and you have a choice of one sashimi plate and one dessert plate.

Sho City, Lane Cove

I recently visited Sho City which is a new Japanese Restaurant in Lane Cove. It's located upstairs in the shopping strip of Lane Cove and has seating inside and outside.  Sho City is probably best described as modern Japanese.   From the outside, I was unsure whether this was a casual eatery or a upmarket venue. I would say Sho City is more upmarket. So upon reflection, perhaps not the best venue if you have a toddler (like mine who won't sit still) but I did see other families with older children. 

Sushi Taro, Artarmon

Hi Everyone! I've been off the grid enjoying my time with baby Benji which has meant many more meals at home.  So that has meant blogging has taken a backseat in my life.

However I recently was able to have a quick lunch at Sushi Taro. Sushi Taro is located in Artarmon, in the little strip of restaurants leading out of the train station. I come here early on a Saturday morning after craving Japanese food. 

Motto Motto, Macquarie Park

I’ve been to Motto Motto in Macquarie centre a few times but have yet to blog about my experience! Motto Motto is a chain restaurant that is fusion Japanese. Mr Weekend Food Escapes is especially fond of their Hokkaido flavoured soft serve (when the flavour is available).

Japan City, Top Ryde

After spending a lot of time indoors during covid while pregnant and navigating the first few months of mothering a newborn. I decided to venture out for the first time for a meal out at Japan City at Top Ryde. 

Japan City is hidden above Coles and is part shop and part restaurant. It seems relatively busy when I walk past. There’s limited Japanese restaurants at Top Ryde. There’s a few small sushi venues in the food court and a sushi train outside which I wasn’t a fan of so I am hoping this will be a good experience. There can be a line outside in peak lunch times on the weekend.

Okami, Silverwater

Hello Sydney! Okami Japanese Restaurant is a popular chain with 24 stores in Melbourne and is now available in Sydney in two locations - Marrickville and newly opened Silverwater. Okami is known for their "all you can eat" menu for $34.80. Silverwater is my closest so I was curious to see what the experience would be like hearing about this from one of my friends.I enter Okami at 12pm on a Sunday with a reservation and can see a small queue forming outside already. This tells me that it is best to book or you will potentially be disappointed. 

Group Catch up! Umi Sushi Nabe, Haymarket

I recently visit Umi Sushi Nabe in Haymarket which has recently launched their new Hot Pot menu. I am dining with a group and was surprised to see that there are individual hot pots! No sharing !!! Hurrah for me. I've never seen individual hot pots before and I am impressed.

Junk Lounge, Lunar New Year Menu

Happy Lunar New Year!! I wanted a relaxing weekend to celebrate Lunar New Year, so I head to Junk Lounge. Junk Lounge is located above Cruise Bar in Circular Quay so it has gorgeous water views. So what's on? 

Zushi, Barangaroo

This is a delayed blog post. 

I've tried many of the venues at Barangaroo and am going to Zushi for the first time. There's also a Zushi in Surry Hills which I've had friends recommend to me previously. I'm going to Zushi with a group of work colleagues on a Friday.

Tatsuya, West Ryde - Revisit

After living in West Ryde for almost 10 years, I used to be a regular at Tatsuya which is a Japanese eatery located beside a carwash. Now that I have moved away, I don't come here as regularly but I come back to see if the consistency has changed.

Kansai, Sydney CBD - Wynyard

This is a delayed blog post. I have a confession to make, I am a regular at Kansai and have been going here for over 10 years. I now work nearby and often frequent Kansai for a quick lunch or dinner.

Toshiya Restaurant, Cremorne

BOOK NOW  

Japanese food is one of my favourite cuisines of all time. Matt and I head to Cremorne for some Japanese food at Toshiya. The locals may be familiar with Toshiya as it's been operating in the area for almost 10 years. That's a great achievement! 

Unaya, Wentworth Point

It's been some time since I've been to Wentworth Point but now there's a whole set of shops and restaurants now open. I am invited to Asian Fusion Japanese restaurant Unaya on this particular Saturday.

Ryo's, Crows Nest

I've been to Ryo's many times and most locals in Sydney would know about Ryo's and how it is famous for its ramen. It's known for it's ramen rather than decore or anything else. I think it's a nice cheap and cheerful restaurant.

Marukame Udon, Chatswood

I have walked past Marukame Udon several times and kept making a mental note to check it out. So several months later, I check it out. 

Restaurant Plage, Cremorne

Restaurant Plage is a hidden gem despite getting a hat from the Australian Good Food Guide in 2018. Restaurant Plage is fine dining quality food in a casual setting and at a reasonable price point. I'm a big fan of Restaurant Plage. 

Cooking Classes at Sydney Seafood School, Pyrmont

Have you ever attended a cooking class? The Sydney Seafood Cooking School is located within the Sydney Fish Markets in Pyrmont. The cooking class is a great opportunity to pick up some new cooking skills, learn some recipes and meet new people.

Sushi Kaido, Chatswood

Sushi Kaido is located in Chatswood and is a small sushi train. The staff are super friendly and attentive which I immediately notice. The owner seems to hover over most of the patrons but you can tell it's because he wants to make sure all the customers are looked after. It's a good tactic to get people to order more dishes as well as he spruke the fish of the day.

Sake, Double Bay

My work was very generous and gifted a series of good food vouchers so I decided to use my voucher at Sake in Double Bay which is part of the rock pool dining group.